Book Review - The Left-Handed Twin; Thomas Perry

 

The Left-Handed Twin; Thomas Perry

Highbridge Audio - 2022

(audio purchase - 8 hours 49 minute)

(Joyce Bean - Narrator - good)

Jane Whitefield  a 30-something part Seneca woman who is married to a surgeon. she has a unique gift and has helped about 100 people terrified people safely escape their former lives often when it is a life or death situation. After taking a break from her work for a bit, she is asked by a friend to help a young woman named Sara who testified against he badass boyfriend in a murder trial. The former boyfriend is acquitted and he is looking for Sara and even has the help of the Russian mob who are more interested in finding Jane than finding Sara. They have an interest in finding out the real names of the people that Jane has helped start new lives over the years.

From upstate New York, New Hampshire and even along the Appalachian Trail, Jane seems to keep just one step above her pursuers. The pace of this story is fast and the tension nail biting at times including the story's terrifying conclusion.  This is book #9 of the Jane Whitefield series but, it can clearly be read as a stand alone novel.  There is plenty of backstory, almost too much at times IMO.  I've read a few of the previous series books but not in order and,  I like Jane's character. She is a smart, strong and fearless sort of woman who is dedicated to what she does. I think new readers will find the information she provides about charging identities and staying under the radar interesting as they read.

I purchased this audio download and although I've enjoyed Joyce Bean as a narrator previously, her voice to me sounded like a much older woman who did not fit Jane's part as a woman who was in her 30s. A decent thriller overall.

Rating - 4/5 stars

Book Review - One Step Too Far; Lisa Gardner

One Step Too Far; Lisa Gardner

Dutton - 2022

(eGalley/NetGalley)

(Book # 2 - Frankie Elkin - Missing Persons Series)

After reading Before She Disappeared last year and loving it, I knew I had to read book #2 of that series which was released last month. I wasn't disappointed. This new one can be read as a stand alone as there is a good amount of information about Frankie Elkin, her past and her obsession with finding people who have gone missing. Instead of a Boston setting we move with Frankie to the Wyoming wilderness.

Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic and a troubled soul who has been roaming the country trying to help locate people who have gone missing.  It's the cold cases that the authorities have all but given up on that call her to action.  Her latest travels brings her to Ramsey, Wyoming where a young man named Tim O'Day had gone missing while he and his buddies were on a bachelor party weekend camping and drinking outing in the national forest five years earlier.  Tim's mother is now dying of cancer and his father Martin, wants one final attempt to find the couple's son.  A party of eight, along with a cadaver dog named Daisy are about to begin what will prove to be a most frightening ordeal. It quickly appears that some of them may not escape this wilderness alive.  

From the very first lines of this book I was riveted:

THE FIRST THREE MEN CAME stumbling into town shortly after ten A.M., babbling of dark shapes and eerie screams and their missing buddy Scott and their other buddy Tim, who set out from their campsite before dawn to get help.

"Bear, bear, bear," the first guy moaned.

"Mountain lion!" the second guy insisted.

Third guy vomited.

Frankie Elkin is a wonderful character, she damaged yet she feels deeply and suffers guilt and remorse over things that have happened in the past.  There are very specific details about wilderness survival, clothing, equipment, things needed in an emergency - all that was fascinating to someone like me who has always made it a point to stay out of the woods.   I loved the dynamics between the characters, most of them have changed and suffered in some way since Tim's disappearance. Frankie is a newbie to this group and, of course, she's an outsider that needs to observe and carefully weigh what she says and does to this group of strangers. Bad things happen deep in these woods and the tension and wonder about who will survive this ordeal and whether Tim or his remains be found was always on my mind as I read.  I thought this book was very good and I loved that this one had an ending that I hadn't thought about as well.  Don't miss this new series.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Olive, Again; Elizabeth Strout

Each Tuesday, Vicki, from I’d Rather Be At The Beach hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where readers post the opening paragraph(s) of a book that they are reading or plan to read. Here's my pick for this week:

Olive, Again; Elizabeth Strout

Random House - 2019

Arrested

"In the early afternoon on a Saturday in June, Jack Kennison put on his sunglasses, got into his sports car with the top down, strapped the seatbelt over his shoulder and across his large stomach, and drove to Portland--almost an hour away--to buy a gallon of whiskey rather than bump into Olive Kitteridge at the grocery store in Crosby, Maine,  Or even that other woman he had seen twice in the story as he stood holding his whiskey while she talked about the weather.  The weather. That woman--he could not remember her name--was a widow as well."

I loved Olive Kitteridge, the first book of this series, and, I must say this follow-up is just wonderful as well -- so far. The audio is great as well. I'm really into the story so far.

What Happens in Paradise; Elin Hilderbrand

TITLE: What Happens in Paradise (Book #2, Paradise Trilogy)

AUTHOR:  Elin Hillderbrand

PUBLISHER: Hachette Audio

PUB. YEAR: 2019

SETTING: St. John's Island
FORMAT: audio/library

RATING - 3.5/5

This book is Book #2 of the Paradise series which began with Winter in Paradise. The audio is narrated by Erin Bennett.

SPOILERS (unless you've already read book #1)

When Irene Steele's husband died in a helicopter crash last year, she was devastated. Russ, was a good husband and good father to their (2) grown sons as well as a successful businessman.  What Irene hadn't been prepared for was the fact that Russ also led a double life.  Her dear, departed husband had another woman he loved and a gorgeous villa on St. John's Island.

Book #2 finds Irene, her sons and grandson returning to St. John's to deal with the aftermath of lies and deceit Russ left behind, and, to try to build new lives for themselves in the process.  We learn a lot more about Rosie, the girlfriend, who was also killed in the crash through journal entries left behind and there appears to have been something illegal going on as well.  Of course, the book ends with a major cliff hanger that will make series followers want to come back to finish the series as well.

I enjoyed book #2 for the most part and thought the audio was well done but, some parts seemed to drag a bit for me.  Despite this, I am enjoying this series with its elements of mystery, the beautiful island setting and well-rounded characters.  This is a series that definitely needs to be read in order IMO.

A Banquet of Consequences; Elizabeth George

A Banquet of Consequences; Elizabeth George

Viking - 2015

A Banquet of Consequences is book #19 in the Inspector Lynley series but, it's the first Elizabeth George book that I've read.

The story plays out over a period of 39 months. At the heart of the mystery is the suicide of William Goldacre who jumped off a cliff in Dorset, and the death of Claire Abbott, an outspoken feminist author, from Cambridge, who appeared to have a heart attack but, may have been poisoned.

There is plenty everything in this nearly 600+ mystery,  plenty of family dysfunction and plenty of  characters, and, all is not what it appears at first glance.  The author develops her characters over time and many turn out to be much more complex than they first appear. The dialogue between characters is interesting and even funny at times.  I thought the story was longer than it needed to be and it took a while to get going. As an Elizabeth George newbie, I felt disadvantaged by not knowing the backstory of several of the series characters and, in addition, there were several sub stories and lots of characters to keep track of, making this somewhat of a frustrating read for me. I did like the way the author writes but, I'd definitely recommend reading this series in order.

3/5 stars
(library)

The Secret Place; Tana French

 

 The Secret Place; Tana French

Viking - 2014

The 5th novel in the Dublin Murder Squad series, Tana French once again shines on, delivering a psychological thriller that does not disappoint.

In The Secret Place, almost 2 years earlier, Christopher Harper, 16, who had attended St. Colms an all male boarding school for the elite was found bludgeoned to death. His body was found of the grounds of St. Kildas, an all female boarding school nearby.  His killer was never found and the case pretty much went cold.

One day, Holly Mackey , a troubled St. Kilda's girl who appeared in an earlier novel, arrives at police headquarters with something significant enough to reopen the murder case.  Holly shows, Detective Stephen Moran, who has been looking for an opportunity to get his career jump started, something posted on a anonymous message board, at St Kildas. The message board known as the "secret place" is a picture of the deceased boy with the words "I KNOW WHO KILLED HIM."  Detective Moran brings the new evidence to Detective Antoinette Conway who had previously worked on the case. Detective Conway is smart, tough, somewhat abrasive and thick-skinned -- she has to be as the only female on the murder squad she is disliked by many of her peers. 

With the investigation reopened, the suspects are many, especially since some of the St. Kilda's girls were sneaking out to meet up with Chris prior to and around the time of his murder.  Surprisingly, the entire story takes place in a 24-hour period and is told in two different timelines....the investigation in the present and the months leading up to the murder. The author does a terrific job drawing us into the insular world of the privileged teens, teenage angst, friendships, loyalties, rivalries and meanness.  The intricate details given and secrets revealed, had me with notebook in hand playing amateur detective as I read. I enjoyed the characters, the writing and the dynamics between the detectives as well.

Although The Secret Place would be enjoyable on its own, I highly recommend reading the series in order, beginning with In the Woods, as some of the characters reappear in subsequent novels.  Well worth your time for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with substance.

4.5/5 stars

(finished copy from publisher for review)

In the Woods, Tana French

Title: In the Woods
Author:  Tana French
Publication Year: 2008
Publisher: Penguin Books
Edition: Trade

Source: my shelves (courtesy of Jenners)
Date Completed: January - 2013 
Rating: 4/5 
Recommend: yes


Most have raved about this book,  yet others were left disappointed by the way it ended.  I went into this one knowing that I would not see closure, and because of that I did think this book was very well done.

At the onset we know that something happened "In the Woods", in the Dublin neighborhood of Knocknaree, 25 years early to Rob Ryan and his little friends Peter and Jamie when they were about 12.  Rob (Adam) was found with blood on his shoes and clinging to a tree, unable to recall what happened. His friends were never found. 

Now 25 years later Rob is a detective for the Dublin Murder Squad. He and his partner Cassie Maddox are investigating a new case missing child case which turns into a homicide. The 12 year old victim was Katy Devlin who was found in the same woods where something terrible happened to Rob and his friends years earlier.  Rob's past is unknown to his coworkers (except for Cassie).  The case feels very similar to him and in the process of the investigation, vague memories of that day begin to surface.

As Rob and Cassie work through the case, their relationship heats up as well. Their relationship seemed very realistic and I loved the witty exchanges between the pair.  It's one of those relationships that I found myself rooting for the pair.  Despite their relationship Cassie begins to have her doubts about her partner.  Are Rob's dreams and flashbacks a key to those lost memories or are they alcohol induced?   What really happened, "In the Woods" to Rob and his friends? That is what readers will hope to learn, but this is one book that doesn't wrap everything up in a neat little bow. 

There is a lot to like about this story. It's a very atmospheric psychological thriller that will have readers anxiously turning the pages.  The writing is addictive and at times even funny.  I love flawed characters flawed and Rob fits the bill. He is key to the story. I found myself constantly trying to get inside his head to determine what was real and what was imagined or embellished -- early on in the first few pages Rob tells the reader [ he craves the truth and....he lies]

This story should appeal to readers who enjoy dark stories and stories with secrets, truths and lies.  Readers that like all the missing pieces to fit when they finish a book might be disappointed. Despite that I do recommend this first in a series.  I'm looking forward to the Likeness (book #2 in the series)

Peaches for Father Francis; Joanne Harris

 

Title:  Peaches for Father Francis

Author:  Joanne Harris

Publication Year: 2012

Publisher: Viking

Edition: eGalley

Setting: France

Source: NetGalley

Date Completed: October/2012

Rating: 4/5 

Recommend: yes

Peaches for Father Francis reintroduces readers and movie goers to Vianne Roche the lovable, magical former candy shop owner who charmed so many in Chocolat over 10 years ago.

In this story Vianne is living with Roux and her daughters 15 year old, Anouk,  and Rosette, now 8 years old on a houseboat. She misses her candy shop and yearns for something more.  When a lost letter arrives from the grandson of her friend Armande who has since passed away asking for Vianne's help, she and her girls leave for Lansquenet.  Her former shop had been turned into a school by a group of newcomers to the hamlet who happen to be of Arab descent. These people are not welcomed and are viewed as outsiders. They are treated in much the same way that Vianne had been when she had arrived there years earlier.  When something happens to the school of the Muslim people, rumors have it that Vianne's arch enemy Father Francis may have been involved. Can Vianne help her former nemesis?

This was a story that was fun to read, even though the theme of "tolerance" is a serious subject.  The way the newcomers to this small community were treated seemed to accurately reflect the way many people, often perceived as different, are treated throughout the world. 

There were a lot of flashbacks to the earlier novel which were well written into this novel, as a result the story flowed very well.  I loved the author's depiction of life in a small insular community, and there was even another element of mystery involving Vianne's partner Roux.  Overall the quirky characters, tension among the residents, charm and magic made for and entertaining story.  Although this book was actually book #3 of the series, The Girl With No Shadow was book #2, I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read that book.

Thanks to the folks at Penguin/Viking for allowing me to read/review this novel.

The Prisoner of Heaven; Carlos Ruiz Zafron

Title: The Prisoner of Heaven

Author:  Carlos Ruiz Zafron

Publication Year: 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins

Edition: eGalley

Setting:  Barcelona

Source: Edelweiss

Date Completed: August/2012

Rating: 3.5/5 

Recommend:yes

It's hard to write a review when you finished the book a couple of months ago, and didn't take the best of notes along the way -- such was the the case with The Prisoner of Heaven, Book #3 (Cemetery of Forgotten Books)......please bear with me on this one.

The Prisoner of Heaven brings back some of the same characters as in the first (2) books: The Shadow of the Wind and Angel's Game.  Interesting enough -- the second book, The Angel's Game, is actually a prequel to the series, but I digress.

Barcelona - 1950s, Daniel Sempre (married with a young child) and his father Senor Semper are both back in this novel running Sempre and Sons bookstore, but business isn't very good.  In this novel the mysterious book in question is an extremely rare and valuable edition of The Count of Monte Cristo.  Fermin Romero de Torres is back as well, but this time secrets from his past have a way of catching up with him, and the reader is transported back to the 1940's to learn more.

Dark and atmospheric, this novel is much shorter than the previous two, and although it kept me turning the pages, I didn't think it had the same level of suspense and mystery as the earlier books. 

Have you read this series? If not and are thinking about it, I would definitely read these in order.  It appears there will still be yet another installment to come.